Start-ups and scale-ups in the North to access funds of up to £10m

Britain’s Got Start-Ups, an event providing start-up and scale-up entrepreneurs in the North with access to local, regional, national and international investments of up to £10m, is now open for applications.

Following a pilot in June, which attracted 80 applicants, 30 investors, 16 pitches and 14 successful investments totalling more than £1.5m, this next event series is expected to see double the number of start-up and scale-up businesses and at least a further 10 investors taking part.

Eligible to all limited companies based in the North of England seeking funding between £150,000 and £10m.

Each shortlisted business will then be given the opportunity to pitch their proposals during a series of in-person regional heats to take place during October.

The judges, which include Dom McGregor; founding partner of Fearless Adventures, former co-founder of Social Chain with Steven Bartlett, and EY Entrepreneur of the Year winner, will then choose 12 candidates that will be invited to the regional final and asked to pitch to a panel of investors at an event in November.

Managing director of Novus Capital and Britain’s Got Start-Ups event organiser, Jenson Brook, said: “The first event we hosted in June was all about testing the approach to see if we could build genuine connections between start-up and scale-up businesses in the North and interested local, regional, national and international investors.

“The response was overwhelmingly positive from both sides and so it made sense for us to officially launch Britain’s Got Start-Ups and to establish the event series as a viable way to break down barriers for businesses in the North, giving them the chance to access the funds they need to innovate and expand.

“We encourage any organisation that is looking for seed capital or larger-scale investment to register their interest and get involved. It’s free and for those that are successful, it could be a life changing opportunity.”